PEORIA, Ariz. — Earlier this week, we asked Ned Yost what was it about Eric Hosmer that teams just loved.
He thought about it for a second and said, "Hosmer is a guy that checks all the boxes.”
Tuesday morning the newest Padre was introduced, and it was those boxes that everyone was talking about. A guy who can pretty much do everything.
Hosmer acknowledged he wouldn't be where he is today if it weren't for the people of Kansas City.
"I grew up in this game in that organization. Some of the moments I had in Kansas City, on and off the field, with people of Kansas City were some of the best times I've had in my life,” said Hosmer. "I'll carry that for the rest of my life. Those are moments I will never forget."
But in reality, how close was Hosmer to getting a deal reached with Kansas City and returning to the Royals?
"I don't think anyone was close to closing a deal the entire offseason. It was a long process,” Hosmer said. “That's what the whole offseason was for me to weigh out the options to see what the best fit for me was. Ultimately it came down to me liking this organization, the direction it's going and that's basically what it came down to.”
While KC would have loved to have Hosmer back, unfortunately, this is the reality of the business.
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